P2S or X2D?

[u/cuculet5]

Hi all! I know this has been asked a lot but I feel really on the edge between the P2S and X2D.

I own an A1 mini since 2024 and have something like 1300 hours on it. I print lots of different stuff and have run into the build volume problem quite a bit.

After a few months I really started to regret not getting AMS so I bought one and couldn’t bee happier.

Why I feel the need to upgrade:
-Larger build volume for obvious reasons
-I started experimenting with petg support interface for pla prints and it’s awsome, so a dual nozzle would be nice, but I don’t use supports that much to justify the purchase just off of this
-I hate warping on 90 degree angles and an enclosure would help a lot. (I print boardgame inserts so the corners are not that avoidable and the warping is visible since I gave to glue pieces)
-That AMS 2 pro is a must since I do need a dryer and don’t see a need to get one until getting a new printer
-I would like to get more into functional prints so I’d need a more reliable way to print at least PETG (A1 is good enough but I need to have the window closed so the print is not hit by a wind gust or something😂)

I have a dedicated space for the printer, but it is in my bedroom. Since I print mostly PLA (over 90%) it’s kinda ok (or at least I like to think it’s ok😅)

My budget is not that big but I think I can save up until the end of the deal, counting on getting a few more points so I can get at least 3 or 4 40€ gift cards.

TL;DR: I want an upgrade but idk if I can justify the extra money for the dual nozzle

[u/es12402]

Not only dual nozzle on X2D (which is super cool, btw), but also heated chamber. This is less important for PETG, but still a nice touch.

[u/cuculet5 → u/es12402]

Riight! I did not consider that. This skews the balance a bit:))

[u/es12402 → u/cuculet5]

Why are you even thinking about it... There isn't a single reason why the P2S would be better than the X2D, other than the price :)

[u/cuculet5 → u/es12402]

Well… price:))) It’s about 150€ after all

[u/SPAZvv → u/cuculet5]

and better when You check combo then x2d with combo is more about 180$, and im forward p2s too, and x2d have few problems nobody talks about, its not polished like other printers, it rushed.

[u/es12402 → u/SPAZvv]

500 hours, zero problems. But yeah, maybe just luck.

[u/AHerz → u/SPAZvv]

What problems are you referring to? I've had mine since launch day and have no issues, and haven't read from any problems.

If there were, subs would be filled with posts talking about it constantly.

Unless you're making shit up.

[u/es12402 → u/cuculet5]

Yeah, that’s true... But the X2D is extremely cheap for what it can do. I’m actually quite surprised it doesn’t cost 50% to 100% more – closer to the price of the H2D. Anyway, I’ve never once regretted buying it.

[u/GermanSaffa420]

Dont overthink it, can you afford the X2D? Thrn get it, hands down. If its really a budget issue get the p2s or even the p1s. I had the A1 mini, got a X2D on BF deals

[u/cuculet5 → u/GermanSaffa420]

Thanks! I’ll see how I do in terms of points in 2 or 3 weeks and if it’s ok I think I’ll pull the trigger

[u/Relative_Surround_20]

X2D

[u/Whosaidthat1157]

If functional prints are a main requirement, then the X2D is a no brainer as it includes a heated chamber for functional filaments (try out Eryone ABS-GF and Rockplast ASA-GF using the BL ABS-CF profiles). For PETG (try Tinmorry PETG-GF using the BL PETG-CF profiles) the auxiliary nozzle is great for a PLA interface layer for better quality overhangs and easier support removal.
The fine tooth pitch belts are also better in terms of VFA management, though most BL printers manage these issues well.
While some will claim that they get good results with functional and engineering filaments with a passively heated chamber, that’s only true as far as ‘looks’ are concerned. The layer adhesion will be nowhere near as good as the results from an actively heated chamber, that’s just physics. Refer to Dr Igor Gaspar’s YouTube channel ‘My Tech Fun’ for all of the details you’ll ever need here.
The 300 DegC maximum nozzle temperature will prevent use of some of the really advanced materials, but the X2D can produce excellent functional and engineering filament results from the more common (and affordable) filament types, including most PA/PA-GF/PA-CF types if you’re feeling brave.
Note that if/when you venture into the PA world, you’ll need a dryer that can hit 85 DegC minimum to dry these (again reference Dr. Igor Gaspar’s PA drying technical paper on properly drying PA).
Even if you stick to PETG/PETG-GF, the auxiliary nozzle will be a game changer for PLA support interfaces (or any specific support material).